VW Reveals Taigun Concept in Brazil

VW confirms in the most visual way possible that a Polo-based crossover is under consideration with this SUV concept unveiled in Brazil.

Just the other day we brought you reports that Volkswagen was considering a smaller SUV to slot in below the Tiguan. In our iPhone poll, voting was just about split as to whether VW should make one or not, but apparently the gentlemen in Wolfsburg have decided to proceed anyway, based on the release of the vehicle you see here. Not to be confused with the aforementioned Golf-based crossover of similar name, this concept SUV is called the Taigun.

Unveiled today at the Sao Paulo International Motor Show, the Taigun concept has styling that jives with the company's conservative design language. Aside from the more horizontal grille and skid plate on the underside of the bumper, it looks like a junior version of the slightly larger Tiguan and much larger Touareg. While Volkswagen isn't saying what it is (or would be) based on, its dimensions suggest the Polo's platform. Under the hood sits a new 1.0-liter turbocharged, direct-injection three-cylinder engine with 110 horsepower for a 9.2-second 0-62 time and a 115mph top speed while returning solid fuel economy and emissions numbers.

It also features a two-part split tailgate that opens downward (1/3) and upward (2/3) for easy loading and unloading of its 280-liter cargo bay (or 987 liters with the rear seats folded down). The interior, meanwhile, takes its design cues from smartphones and tablets, with HVAC controls that display their temperature and fan-speed settings right on the dial's face. Volkswagen indicates that the Taigun concept could be built, but stops short of confirming its production. The German automaker will, as always, be watching to see how the show car is received and take public reaction into account when considering its production prospects.